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Ernest Gallo's Dream of a Wine Business With a loan from a relative and a recipe he found in the basement of the local public library, Ernest Gallo founded what would become, at one point, the world's largest winery. The legendary winemaker, 97, died Tuesday at his home in Modesto.

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Ernest Gallo's Dream of a Wine Business

Heard on All Things Considered

Ernest Gallo's Dream of a Wine Business

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With a loan from a relative and a recipe he found in the basement of the local public library, Ernest Gallo founded what would become, at one point, the world's largest winery. The legendary wine maker, 97, died Tuesday at his home in Modesto.

Gallo, and his brother Julio founded E&J Gallo Winery in 1933, with just three employees. From the beginning, their goal was to turn America into a wine-drinking country by producing wine the average man could afford.

Michele Norris talks with Adam Strum of Wine Enthusiast magazine about Gallo's influence on the American wine industry.